ROOFTOP SYSTEM – San Diego

Marine Group Boat Works

System Overview:

Number of Panels: 1,558

System Size: 483 kW

Projected Energy Savings: $154,196 / year

The Results

MGWB’s custom-designed solar system produces roughly 81% of its annual energy needs based on past consumption. Their system saves $154,196 in energy costs per year and will save the boat builder $3MM over 25 years. Energy savings from the solar system enables re-investment into the company’s operational budget focusing more resources on the construction and repair of ships and super yacht vessels.

MGWB’s switch to solar also meets its goal of supporting the Port of San Diego’s Climate Action Plan, which calls for a 10% reduction of all greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 and 25% by 2035.

“Thanks to partnerships between capable solar providers such as Baker and progressive businesses such as Marine Group Boat Works, we continue to chart a course to a cleaner, more sustainable future for our region’s economy and environment,” said Cleantech San Diego President and CEO Jason Anderson.

According to the EPA Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator, MGBW’s solar system offsets the equivalent of annual greenhouse gas emissions from 1,214,096 miles driven by an average passenger vehicle. It also offsets CO2 emissions from 57,002 gallons of gasoline consumed or 540,568 pounds of coal burned per year.

Achieve sustainability leadership within the community and meet the Port of San Diego’s stated greenhouse gas reduction goals.

Reduce high electric bills enabling re-investment into the operational budget.

Marine Group Boat Works’ decision to go solar was primarily motivated by their aspiration to take a leadership role in sustainability and environmental conservation. “Our initial decision to go solar was driven primarily by our desire to be a zero-emission, low impact boat builder,” said Marine Group Boat Works’ President Todd Roberts. “There’s no question that solar offers an economic benefit, but there are many other advantages – everything from self-reliance and sustainability to doing the right thing. We chose to do the right thing, as we have in our other lines of businesses.”

In addition, the high electricity costs associated with boat-building made switching to solar-generated energy the best solution to combat on-going rate increases.

The Solution

After a nationwide search for a solar provider, Marine Group Boat Works chose Baker Electric Solar. The choice was based on Baker’s reputation and exceptional workmanship built on 75+ years of electrical contracting experience. “We found Baker had the experience and did the best job of explaining the options,” said Roberts. “They worked closely with our structural engineering and steel contractor and added roof reinforcements designed to meet seismic requirements when the concern came up. Baker stayed on schedule, did a great job of communicating and even arranged the solar commissioning after-hours and on a weekend to help us avoid interruptions to our business operations.”

Marine Group Boat Works’ move to solar enabled them to build on their current environmental strategies which include reclaiming 100% of storm water runoff eliminating any discharge into the bay. In addition, the company’s sandblasting and painting are done in an enclosure where all air emissions and dust are recaptured and, when possible, recycled.